Ocean Spray inks multi-year deal with Disney

by Joel Gebet | October 21, 2010

NEW YORK — Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. has solidified a partnership with
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts that will bring the Ocean Spray trademarked
"Craisins" dried cranberries to a number of retail points at Disney parks in
North America, including Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA, Walt Disney
World Resort in Orlando, FL, and Disney Cruise Line, as well as the 450,000-
member Disney Vacation Club timeshare operation.

Keith Benoit, Ocean Spray’s senior director and general manager of special
markets, which includes the “Craisins” line, told The Produce News in an
exclusive interview here Oct. 19 that the company is “excited to have this
partnership and that Disney guests will have the opportunity to enjoy
'Craisins.’ It is a great opportunity to work with such an iconic customer, and
we’re also excited that the Ocean Spray family is now part of the Disney
family.”

A press release issued Oct. 20 by Ocean Spray said that “Craisins” will also be
highlighted “in new signature salads and cranberry muffins, and sold in fruit-
cart stands and kiosks inside the theme parks. The companies also are joining
together to launch a special, co-branded version of ‘Craisins’ packaging
featuring Disney characters Chip ‘n Dale that will be used on Ocean Spray
products at Disney properties.”

The release continued, “As a part of Ocean Spray’s ongoing commitment to
educate consumers about the taste, health and heritage of the cranberry, the
company will build cranberry bog displays during Disney’s California Food &
Wine Festival, held April 29 to June 12, 2011, and the Epcot International
Food & Wine Festival in the fall of 2011. Third-, fourth- and fifth-generation
cranberry growers will travel to share their passion and farming histories while
recreating the the harvest for families visiting the parks.

Events will showcase the versatility of the cranberry, and the Epcot
International Food & Wine Festival will be part of Ocean Spray’s fifth annual
Ultimate Cranberry Recipe Contest for chefs.”